Maddy summarySB 5728 establishes a new commission nominating committee to recommend candidates for the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. The committee must include specific representatives from hunting groups (big/small game), fishing industries (recreational, commercial, guides), environmental organizations, tribes (with east/west Cascade representation), agriculture, and local government. It requires commissioners to support science-based management, have hunting/fishing licenses, and avoid conflicts of interest, while ensuring geographic balance (five members east of the Cascades). The bill directly affects how the governor appoints commission members, replacing previous processes with this structured, sector-inclusive recommendation system.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits camping on public property in Washington state unless authorized, responding to the U.S. Supreme Court's *Grants Pass v. Johnson* decision. It bans camping within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, day cares, or shelter facilities (with posted signs), and requires police to confirm nearby shelter availability before issuing citations for camping. Violations start as small fines ($50) for first offenses, escalating to misdemeanor charges for repeated violations. The law mandates referrals to therapeutic courts for repeat offenders and prohibits citations when shelters have available space, aiming to balance enforcement with access to shelter.
Maddy summaryWashington State bill SB 5472 restricts nonresident aliens (foreign nationals not living in the U.S.) from directly purchasing agricultural, forest, or mineral land after August 1, 2025, unless their home country allows U.S. citizens to own similar land there. It specifically exempts U.S. citizens with dual citizenship, land acquired through inheritance or debt collection (requiring disposal within three years), and land covered by treaties or reciprocal ownership agreements. The bill also excludes agricultural land associated with food processing facilities from these restrictions. This policy directly affects foreign individuals or entities seeking to buy farmland in Washington, while maintaining existing rights for U.S. citizens and treaty-protected owners.
Maddy summarySB 5624 requires the Washington State Patrol, in collaboration with the Department of Ecology, fire districts, and the towing industry, to create best practices for responding to electric vehicle (EV) fires. The guidelines must cover first responder protocols during EV collisions or fires and procedures for safely transporting, towing, and storing damaged EVs. The State Patrol must also develop checklists to improve coordination between agencies during EV fire responses, which will be shared with all fire departments across Washington. These practical tools aim to standardize safety measures as EV adoption increases.
Maddy summarySB 5073 redirects revenue from Washington state's motor vehicle sales tax to highway funding. Starting July 1, 2025, all sales tax collected on new and used vehicles (including private-party sales) must go to the motor vehicle fund for highway purposes, such as construction and preservation. The bill excludes certain vehicles from this tax, including farm tractors (unless used for marijuana production), off-road vehicles, nonhighway vehicles, bicycles, and snowmobiles. This change modifies existing tax law to ensure vehicle sales revenue directly supports highway infrastructure rather than general state funds.
Maddy summarySB 5547 increases funding for local governments by redirecting cannabis tax revenue. It allocates 1.5% of cannabis tax revenue to cities and towns where licensed retailers operate (based on their proportional revenue share) and 3.5% to counties and cities/towns ratably by population (with eligibility requiring no bans on cannabis businesses). These distributions replace previous formulas and require annual reporting by the state board. The bill directly affects municipalities with cannabis retailers and those meeting siting criteria, without creating new taxes.
Maddy summarySB 5670 creates a state grant program to help rural school districts with large geographic areas (450 square miles or more) offset rising transportation costs from increased fuel prices. The program, administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, provides direct financial assistance for fuel-related expenses in school transportation. It specifically targets districts facing higher costs due to their extensive service areas. The grant is funded through appropriations and focuses solely on mitigating fuel cost impacts for eligible rural schools.
Maddy summarySB 5230 requires law enforcement to provide juveniles (under 18) with access to an attorney before they waive constitutional rights during police questioning, detention for suspected crimes, or consent to searches. The bill mandates this consultation cannot be waived and prohibits using statements made without it in court, unless specific exceptions apply. Exceptions include when police believe a juvenile is a trafficking victim (with strict limits on using the information), when an imminent life threat requires immediate questioning, or for certain serious traffic or violent offenses. The law also clarifies that juveniles can direct legal counsel to assert rights on their behalf, and waivers must follow established procedures. This changes current practice by strengthening attorney access protections during critical police interactions with minors.
Maddy summarySB 5007 creates a statewide program to support students missing 10% or more of school days (chronically absent) and at risk of not graduating high school. It requires educational service districts to train staff on early warning systems to identify at-risk students and connect them with supports like family engagement, health services, academic help, and transportation. The bill establishes a "Building Bridges" grant program for local school-family-community partnerships to implement dropout prevention systems, including data-driven interventions, mentorship, and alternative education options. These partnerships must collect and report data on student demographics, attendance, graduation rates, and outcomes to track effectiveness. The law aims to improve reengagement and graduation rates through coordinated, evidence-based support for vulnerable students.
Maddy summarySB 5171 amends Washington state law to clarify compensation for livestock owners affected by wolf predation, bears, or cougars. It establishes a minimum $500 economic loss threshold for claims and requires the commission to set rules for qualifying damage, including a new process for indirect losses (like reduced weight gain or pregnancy rates from wolf harassment) by comparing current losses to historical averages. The bill ensures claims are prioritized based on loss percentage and specifies that unpaid claims due to funding limits may be paid in the next fiscal year. It directly affects ranchers and livestock owners who experience wildlife-related damage.